This is an update to those of you expressing interest in the Dog Park Master Planning & Policy Recommendation Process. As a reminder, the overall goals and objectives of this effort are intended to foster healthy relationships between dog owners, non-dog owners, and all park users. Improving
The process to date has included thorough analysis and evaluation of Denver’s existing dog parks in addition to significant investigation of local and national best practices to help guide the internal and external committees in making recommendations for Denver. Needs identified by the committees indicate:
1. Priority in bringing Denver’s existing dog parks up to a more sustainable level of service and include amenities such as benches, water, and shade.
2. Significant gaps in dog park service area from roughly Colfax Ave. south down to Hampden Ave. and from roughly the east side of the I-25 corridor east to Quebec St. (Both internal and external committees recommended and agreed to Denver’s regional, fenced dog parks serving a roughly 2-mile radius area.)
a. Committee DRAFT recommended parks to be considered for 1 or 2 additional regional fenced dog parks to fill the gap areas in service include:
i. Garland Park
ii. Cook Park
iii. Harvard Gulch Park / Rosedale
iv. Veterans Park
3. Recommendation to consider off-leash hours / off-leash dog sites to fill any remaining gap areas of service, particularly in higher density neighborhoods. However, policies on how these areas would work need further development prior to discussing potential locations and sites. Policy items pertaining to off-leash hours / off-leash dog sites being discussed by committee include:
a. Entrance and Useage of Off-Leash Areas
b. Fee for Useage
c. Off-Leash Hours and Timing
d. Fines
e. Liability
The planning process is expected to recommend some draft policies and plans for public input this Fall 2009.
If you have any specific questions or concerns or would like to submit any suggestions, or if you would like to submit your interest in being involved with future partnership opportunities, please send an email to DenverDog@DenverGov.org. Denver Dog will continue to send periodic updates on upcoming events and the Dog Park Master Plan webpage will have additional information about the Dog Park Master Plan process. http://www.denvergov.org/parks/DenverDogParksMasterPlan/
Thank you.
